Una's blog

WiS awards night

by Mark Rowe

The Professional Security Magazine Women in Security Awards are the security profession’s dedicated awards that are judged and hosted by the major SILBs (Security Industry Lead Bodies).

At the inaugural awards in 2012 when Baroness Ruth Henig (Honorary Judge) was the then chairman of the SIA and one of the first judges. She said. ‘The PSM-WiS Awards should now be known as the ‘Oscars’ of the security industry.’

With the array of fashion and the abundance of evening wear the 2018 PSM-WiS Awards appeared to be a veritable red-carpet affair in every way. This year the awards took place on board the ‘Dixie Queen’ river boat.

A large marine event venue, the Dixie Queen’s proportions set the atmosphere of a ship rather than a large boat. Her flexible layout allowed many photo opportunities from deck to sweeping staircase. We embarked at Tower Pier. As we sailed off our guests were busy taking selfies as Tower Bridge was raised for the Dixie Queen to pass. As we glided elegantly down the Thames aboard this enchanting replica of a 19th century paddle steamer people stood with glasses of champagne in hand. The night was off to a great start as guests were treated to the enchanting and ever-changing backdrop of London’s famous sights.

The WiS Awards are the first industry of their type. They recognise the contribution and accomplishments of women within the wider world of security. As a former MD/Owner of a systems company for 23 years I wanted to ensure that women were finally recognised for their contribution to the profession.

Each year we receive the odd email from men in the industry asking. ‘Why do we need an Award just for women’? We never reply to them, I just file it in the ‘Bitter and Twisted’ bin … but I will tell you why. I actually started the Peter Greenwood Award in the early 1990s and it was the first achievement award of its kind within the industry. Until now there has not been a female winner. Therefore, the only way to ensure that women were recognised for their contribution was to create this unique award dedicated to the women that help shape the industry.

It was very important that the entire security industry get behind it and become immersed in the message, that women are valued and recognised. Now we have this amazing award and the industry leaders support and host the occasion each year.

While some attitudes never change the SILBs are united and send out a consolidated message to everyone that our profession recognises both men and women of the industry.

This year it was the turn of the Fire and Security Association (FSA) to host. Steve Martin, Director of Technical -FSA-ECA, Electrotechnical and Engineering Services was the keynote speaker at the event.

I asked what he thought of this year’s proceedings. He said: “The Fire and Security Association (FSA) were immensely proud to be the host of this year’s Women in Security Awards, bringing together industry colleagues and friends in recognising the accomplishments, value and contributions of women within the wider world of security. This year was a pleasure to share the same platform with the patron and creator of these Award, Una Riley who, ten years ago was instrumental in the creation of the FSA, a sister organisation of the wider Electrical Contractors Association.

“These awards raise the profile and professionalism of those who operate at the coal face of the systems sector, one part of this dynamic, multifaceted industry. We were also pleased to see the number of stakeholders supporting this year’s event. This is true to form for WiS but also reflects more widely our ability to bring all elements of our industry together and show strength and authority in this ever challenging, security conscious world.

“Finally, when it comes to attracting new talent, skills, and diversity, WiS sends out a clear message that our industry is a career of choice for all. It is one that’s progressive, exciting, and not afraid to embrace new ways of thinking.”

Roy Cooper, MD of Professional Security also said: “Whether you are the managing director of your own security company, a security professional working within the security department of a commercial organisation, or business, public sector, or the wider world of security, we are looking for nominations in four sections for 2019.

“The categories are; Manager, Frontline, Technical and Contribution to Industry. Each year the judges consider nominations from people regarding the performance within the security profession. Such as ‘How does the nominee contribute to the wider world of security/profession/industry over and above her job spec?’. We then ask the nominator to elaborate on the original question by asking ‘Why, in your opinion, should the Nominee win the award?’.”

The judges have a tough job to do. Each nominee will be judged on the submission alone, so it is very important that the nominator submits the best narrative about the nominee. The judges are all CEO/Chairman level in their respective organisations and of course the current Master of the WCoSP. This year the standard was so high, and the nominees were so close. In fact, we had to call on the expertise of our honorary judge, Baroness Ruth Henig on one of the categories to make the final decision. All nominees in this award are privileged to have been recognised by their peers.

The 2018 winner in the ‘Manager’ category was Lisa Corbridge – Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The ‘Technical’ category – Angela King – Advanced Access; in the ‘Front line’ category it was Emma Threlfall – Axis Security and in the ‘Industry’ category Pauline Norstrom of NetVu.

Both Roy Cooper and I presented the awards and it was such a pleasure to see so many WiS in the room. I have to say that I felt extra especially proud, as Steve Martin mentioned I co-founded the FSA over a decade ago and I created the WiS Awards and I couldn’t help but think … like all the women here … we really did make a difference!

The awards evening was great fun and the atmosphere was electric. The food was great, the company fantastic the wine more than palatable and the venue splendid … so much so, we were going to have the event ‘up north’ for 2019 but everyone enjoyed the boat so much that it was decided that we would make it a return venue for next year. After the awards and the dinner, the music began, and the dance floor was buzzing. I for one can’t wait for next year to see more women in security recognised for their contribution to the industry.

The 2019 Women in Security Awards will be hosted by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), on September 12. The SSAIB is a certification body for a wide scope of specialist fields for security services, electronic security, and fire systems. The SSAIB maintains professional standards, promotes high standards of service, and is focused on serving the certification needs of organisations providing fire safety and security related services. I remember the day the SSAIB was inaugurated! When I started the FSA their contribution and relationship was invaluable at that time. Alex Carmichael is the CEO and I have worked with Alex both in this country and Europe on behalf of our industry.

So, all you people out there working with a female security colleague who in your opinion has contributed to the industry and deserves to be recognised for her achievements…then get on board and send in a nomination! After which get on board the Dixie Queen riverboat next year and join the SSAIB and other security professions and stakeholders for an evening of dining, dancing and celebration at the ‘Oscars’ of the security industry as we cruise down the Thames in London. I hope to see you there.

Hosts and judges:

Our judges are selected from the chairs and chief execs of the professional organisations within the security industry: the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), the UK Chapter of ASIS, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the Fire and Security Association (FSA), the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the Security Institute, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals.

Visit https://professionalsecurity.co.uk/wis/.

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